How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave and Other BBQ Favorites

Does the thought of grilling at your family BBQ turn you off from hosting these gatherings? You're not alone if you dread the effort and expertise needed for grilling. Forty-seven percent of respondents of the 1st Annual Grilling Sentiment Survey agree.

Limiting your grilling time could help you enjoy this American pastime. Learning how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave is one way to do this. It's a popular, affordable BBQ side dish that complements any meat.

You can also use the microwave to cook other popular BBQ sides. You'll spend less time monitoring the grill and more time with family and friends. Summer is almost over, so get started by reviewing:

• Benefits of cooking corn in the microwave
• Step-by-step guide on how to do it
• Other BBQ sides that taste great using this method

Benefits of Microwaving Corn on the Cob

Although not THE most popular BBQ side, a YouGov poll shows corn is a close second for 55% of respondents. It's seasonal from May to September, making it perfect for summer grilling. Despite the minimal preparation required, it still maintains its natural sweetness.

Microwaving makes cooking even easier allowing you to enjoy:

• Quick cooking time compared to traditional methods
• Hands-free preparation without boiling, preheating, or cleaning
• Undiluted, sweet taste as the corn steams in its own juices and absorbs the husk's flavor
• Perfectly cooked tender corn
• Minimal cleanup and mess

Add butter, salt, or your favorite herbs, spices, or dressings to create unique flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

You can start enjoying these benefits with this guide that outlines how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave. It includes the:

• Ingredients needed
• Preparation steps
• Microwave cooking instructions
• Checking to ensure your corn is thoroughly cooked

Ingredients Needed

You'll need fresh corn on the cob with husks. All the other ingredients are optional and primarily used to season the corn.

Salt and pepper, along with butter or olive oil can enhance the corn's flavor. You can also top this with seasonings based on your taste preference. You may want to consider:

• A mixture of butter, basil, and garlic for a flavorful twist instead of traditional butter
• Adobo sauce, Cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro for a Mexican flair
• Red pepper flakes, chili powder, or ground cumin to spice things up
• Finely grated parmesan cheese and oregano, as an Italian blend

Other popular seasonings include:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Roasted garlic
• Mayonnaise

Some people add lemon juice when seasoning to enhance the corn's natural sweetness.

Preparation Steps

Your ingredients will affect the taste, so choose your corn wisely. The husk should be dark green, moist, and tightly enclose the heavy, firm cob. Light golden, pale green, or white cornsilk denotes freshness.

Once you've chosen the freshest corn, keep them in their husks and rinse them.

Microwave Cooking Instructions

Microwave cooking tips suggest using the following times based on corn quantity:

• 1 cob: 3-4 minutes
• 2 cobs: 5.5-6 minutes
• 3 cobs: 8 minutes
• 4 cobs: 10 minutes

Place corn on a microwavable dish and cook on high, which is 1,000 watts in most microwave ovens. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your microwave's wattage.

Remove from microwave and let cool slightly. Cut and slide out the corn from the husk, then add the seasonings and toppings you love.

Checking to Ensure Your Corn Is Thoroughly Cooked

You can ensure your corn is thoroughly cooked using a fork or knife. When poked, the ears should be tender yet crisp. Once you remove the husk, the kernels should have a bright yellow, glossy appearance. The recommended internal temperature for cooked corn is 160-170ºF.

Removing the Corn From the Microwave

The safest way to handle hot corn and avoid getting burnt is to use a towel or oven mitt. Another benefit of microwaving corn is that the steam separates the husk and silk from the cob. You can also cut the end of the cob or squeeze off the husk from top to bottom after placing the corn on a cutting board.

Other Microwavable BBQ Favorites

Corn on the cob is not the only BBQ favorite you can microwave. You can create the following easy BBQ recipes using the same method.

• Vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Mac and cheese

Vegetables

You can cook both sturdy and leafy green vegetables in the microwave. Wash and place them in a microwave-safe dish after adding water.

Microwave on high for 2 to 3.5 minutes or until vegetables are tender but crisp. Remove, let cool slightly, and season to taste.

Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters and rinse them. Arrange them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Cook on high for 9 to 10.5 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Leave the bowl covered and let it stand for 5 minutes. While waiting, combine milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a microwaveable glass. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes on a medium setting or until hot.

Drain the water from the potatoes; add the milk mixture then mash until smooth.

Mac and Cheese

Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish filled with water. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

Drain the excess water and add the milk, grated cheese, and salt. Stir and microwave for 1.5 minutes until everything is well combined and melted.

Elevate Your BBQ With Microwave Corn on the Cob

Knowing how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave can elevate your BBQ gatherings. It's an easy preparation method that cooks corn to tender, flavorful perfection.

You'll no longer have the hassle of managing multiple items on the grill. Instead, you can enjoy the extra time with family and friends.

Simply choose fresh corn, place them in the microwave, and use the suggested cooking times. Once thoroughly cooked, season and top with your favorite ingredients. You can also explore other BBQ favorites using the same cooking method.

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